Morocco says working to prevent potential new Ceuta crossings surge
Summary
Moroccan authorities are working to stop more people from crossing illegally into the Spanish city of Ceuta after a social media campaign encouraged mass attempts to enter. They have increased border security and plan legal action against those spreading messages that promote irregular migration.Key Facts
- Moroccan officials say they are boosting border security near Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish cities located in North Africa.
- A social media campaign claimed the border at Fnideq would be open on August 15, leading to fears of mass illegal crossings.
- Around 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta irregularly in late July, mostly by sea.
- Morocco sentenced seven taxi drivers to prison and fined them for helping people try to reach the border.
- About 2,000 people remain in Ceuta after the surge, with around 1,000 being children who cannot legally be sent back to Morocco.
- Moroccan authorities found 11 bodies after the crossing crisis, while Spain reported at least 80 deaths; a human rights group says at least 141 people died.
- Moroccan officials have asked Spain to speed up returning children who remain in Ceuta.
- People spreading online posts encouraging illegal border crossings are being investigated by Moroccan authorities.
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